Amish Cradle. Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Vannetta Chapman

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1 An Amish Cradle Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, and Vannetta Chapman

2 In His Father s Arms Beth Wiseman

3 Glossary ach oh danki thank you Englisch non-amish person gut good kapp prayer covering or cap kinner children or grandchildren maedels girls mamm mom mammi grandmother mei my mudder mother nee no sohn son ya yes

4 Reading Group Guide 1. Ruth Anne and Levi are young, 19 years old. Do you think that they have the emotional maturity to handle the needs of a child with Down s syndrome? Would an older couple have been better prepared for this undertaking? 2. Ruth Anne and her best friend, Bethany, chose different ways of birthing their children, as well as medical options prior to delivery. With all of the testing that is available to us these days, most mothers-to-be choose to have an ultrasound. What would you do if you were told that you were carrying a child with Down s syndrome? 3. As women, most of us are caregivers. But there is a place in the story where Ruth Anne thinks Who is going to take care of me? Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt overwhelmed and needed mothering? How did you get through it? 4. Levi struggles with his roles as a father and husband. He

5 Reading Group Guide wants to be good at both, but he is thrown completely offguard by how much he loves Joshua. Instead of embracing these feelings, he tries to reject them, fueled by the fear that he might lose his child at a young age, and afraid his heart couldn t take loss. Bringing us to the age-old question: Is it better to have loved and lost, or to have never loved at all? 5. Following Bethany s confession about her abortion, Ruth Anne has a hard time with this news and chooses to walk away from Bethany. Do you think that Ruth Anne will eventually want to resume the friendship? Did you feel that Ruth Anne was judging Bethany? What if a close friend chose to terminate a pregnancy based on information from medical testing? Would you support their decision? 6. This story largely focuses on Levi; his joy, fears, worries, and struggles as a new father of a special-needs child. While having these feelings, he works hard to maintain a manly outward appearance. He wants to be a good provider and strong head of the household. Do you think that the majority of men put unnecessary pressures on themselves because they are expected to behave in a certain way? 7. Levi reaches out to Bishop Lantz, and the bishop seems to see beyond Levi s words and into his heart. What do you think was the best advice that Bishop Lantz gave to Levi? What advice would you give to Levi?

6 A Son for Always Amy Clipston

7 Glossary ach oh aenti aunt appeditlich delicious Ausbund Amish hymnal bedauerlich sad boppli baby brot bread bruder brother bruderskinner nieces/nephews bu boy buwe boys daadi granddad daed dad danki thank you dat dad Dietsch Pennsylvania Dutch, the Amish language (a German dialect) dochder daughter dochdern daughters Dummle! hurry! Englisher a non-amish person fraa wife freind friend freinden friends froh happy gegisch silly gern gschehne you re welcome grossdaadi grandfather grossdochder granddaughter grossdochdern granddaughters

8 Glossary grossmammi grandmother Gude mariye Good morning gut good Gut nacht Good night haus house Ich liebe dich I love you kapp prayer covering or cap kichli cookie kichlin cookies kind child kinner children kumm come liewe love, a term of endearment maed young women, girls maedel young woman mamm mom mammi grandma mei my mutter mother naerfich nervous narrisch crazy onkel uncle Ordnung The oral tradition of practices required and forbidden in the Amish faith. schee pretty schmaert smart schtupp family room schweschder sister Was iss letz? What s wrong? Willkumm welcome Wie geht s How do you do? or Good day! wunderbaar wonderful ya yes

9 Reading Group Guide 1. Carolyn feels it s her obligation to plan for Benjamin s financial future without Joshua s help. She worries that Joshua won t love and support Benjamin as much as he will love and support his biological children. Do you think her feelings are justified? Take a walk in her shoes. How would you have handled this situation if you were Carolyn? Share this with the group. 2. Linda finds encouragement in 1 Thessalonians 5: (Write out the passage.) What do these verses mean to you? 3. Barbie has criticized Carolyn since before she married Joshua. By the end of the story, however, Barbie finally admits that Carolyn is a good mother. Have you ever been criticized by a close family member? If so, how did you handle the criticism? Share this with the group. 4. Joshua doesn t understand why Carolyn feels she has to continue working at the hotel to help the family financially

10 Reading Group Guide since the horse farm provides everything that they need. He is determined to convince Carolyn that he wants her on the farm with him. Joshua feels lost as to how he can help Carolyn realize that she doesn t need to work. What, if anything, do you think Joshua should have done differently? 5. Carolyn is irritated by Barbie s constant remarks about Benjamin not being Joshua s biological son. Due to a mistake she made when she was sixteen, Carolyn feels she s been judged much of her life by her community that is supposed to be Christlike. Do we do this in our own church communities judge and gossip about our fellow Christians without considering the consequences? 6. Which character can you identify with the most? Which character seemed to carry the most emotional stake in the story? Was it Joshua, Carolyn, Benjamin, or someone else? 7. Before Joshua met Carolyn, he was certain he would never get married and have a family. He feels that God gave him a second chance when he fell in love with Carolyn, and he is delighted that they are going to be blessed with a family. Have you ever experienced a second chance? 8. What did you know about the Amish before reading this book? What did you learn?

11 A Heart Full of Love Kathleen Fuller

12 Glossary ab im kopp crazy aenti aunt Amisch Amish appeditlich delicious boppli(s) baby, babies daed/vatter dad/father daag day danki thank you dochder daughter familye family frau wife garten garden geh go granddochder granddaughter grossmutter grandmother grossvatter grandfather

13 Glossary gut good haus house hungerich hungry kapp woman s head covering, prayer cap kinner children kumme come maed girls maedel girl mamm/mudder/mutter mom, mother mei my nee no nix nothing onkel uncle perfekt perfect schee pretty, handsome schwester sister seltsam weird sohn son ya yes yer your yung young

14 Reading Group Guide 1. Do you think Edna s worry over Ellie taking care of the twins was justified? Why or why not? 2. Edna thought she had good intentions when it came to taking care of her grandbabies, but she was really acting out of fear and worry. Have there been times when fear or worry dictated your actions? How did God help you during those times? 3. Do you think Edna would have been as worried about the babies if Ellie wasn t blind? 4. Ellie and Edna both had to learn how to let God be in control of their lives. Have you ever faced this challenge? What helped you let go and let God? 5. What advice would you give Ellie about how to deal with her mother?

15 An Unexpected Blessing Vannetta Chapman

16 Glossary of Shipshewana Amish Words boppli baby bruder brother dat dad, father danki thank you Englischer Amish person gem gschehne you re welcome Gotte s wille God s will grandkinner grandchildren gut good kaffi coffee kapp prayer covering kinner children mamm/mammi mom, grandmother narrisch crazy

17 Glossary nein no onkel uncle rumspringa running around; time before an Amish young person officially joins the church; provides a bridge between childhood and adulthood. schweschder sister was iss letz what s wrong wunderbaar wonderful ya yes The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3

18 Reading Group Guide 1. At the beginning of this story, we see the friendship between Etta and Rachel. In what ways does this friendship help Etta through a trying time? 2. Change is something that is difficult for all of us. Etta is dealing with several changes in this story from where she will birth her baby to having a newborn at age forty-two. What Bible verse helps you most during times of change? 3. How would you describe the relationship between Etta and Mose? They ve had trouble in the past, but they seem to have weathered it. What do you think helped them retain their love and respect for one another? 4. David is described as Etta s lost child. However, the family has never actually given up on him. What can we do when someone we love has chosen a different path? 5. This is a story of unexpected blessings. Discuss a blessing in your life that seemed like more of a trial at the beginning. How did God show you that it was something to be grateful for?

19 Recipes from Beth Wiseman s In His Father s Arms Ruth Anne s Chicken Noodle Soup 1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 4 lbs.) cut up 10 cups water 1 large carrot, sliced 1 large onion, sliced 1 celery rib, sliced 1 garlic clove, minced 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 2 large carrots, sliced 2 celery ribs, sliced

20 Recipes 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cups egg noodles, uncooked 1 cup frozen peas ½ cups cut green beans, frozen In a large soup kettle or Dutch oven, combine the first ten ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours or until the meat is tender. Remove chicken and cool. Remove and discard skin and bones. Chop chicken and set aside. Strain broth, discarding vegetables and bay leaf. Return broth to the pan; add carrots, celery, and onion. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Add noodles and chicken. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 6 minutes. Stir in peas and beans. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until beans and noodles are tender. Yield: 6 to 8 servings.

21 Recipes Susanna s Cinnamon Raisin Bread 2 cups warm water 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast 1 cup sugar, divided ¼ cup canola oil 2 teaspoons salt 2 eggs 6 to 6 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 cup raisins Extra canola oil 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon Using a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add ½ cup sugar, oil, salt, eggs, and 4 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour until it forms a soft dough. On a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place or until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Knead ½ cup raisins into each; roll each portion into a 15x9-in. rectangle. Brush with additional oil. Combine cinnamon and remaining sugar; sprinkle to within ½ in. of edges. Tightly roll up, jelly-roll styled, starting with a short side; pinch seam to seal. Place, seam side down, in two greased 9x4-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375. Brush with oil. Bake minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans and cool on wire racks. Yield 2 loaves (16 slices each).

22 Recipes from Amy Clipston s A Son for Always Carrot Bread 3 large eggs 1½ cups vegetable oil 2 cups sugar 3 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon 2 cups grated carrots 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice ¾ cup chopped nuts

23 Recipes Place eggs, oil, sugar, vanilla, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl and beat together. Add carrots, pineapple with juice, and nuts, and mix until combined. Pour into two large, greased loaf pans and bake at 325 degrees for one hour. Makes 2 loaves.

24 Recipes from Kathleen Fuller s A Heart Full of Love Stew 1 qt. canned steak or chunk meat, chopped 3 cups water Bring these ingredients to a boil then add: ½ pk. noodles (4 oz.) Cook 10 minutes, then add: 3 medium potatoes, diced 4 medium carrots, diced 1 small onion, diced (optional) Cook another 3 to 4 minutes. Add: 2 cups cooked corn 2 cups cooked beans Simmer 10 minutes. Add salt to taste (about 1 tsp.)

25 Recipes Marinated Carrots or Copper Pennies Sauce 1 can tomato soup ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper 1 Tbsp. mustard ½ cup sugar ½ cup cooking oil ¼ cup vinegar chopped onions (optional) chopped peppers (optional) Slice and cook 1 lb. carrots. When done, add sauce, 1 sliced mango, and 1 onion. Marinate overnight.

26 Recipes Mock Pecan Pie ½ cup sugar ¼ melted butter 1 tsp. vanilla ¼ tsp. salt 3 whole eggs 1 cup Karo syrup 1 cup oatmeal Mix in order given. Pour into unbaked pie shell and bake at 350 for 35 to 40 minutes, or until center is almost set. All recipes from A Taste of Home From the Schlabach Family

Recipes from Vannetta Chapman s An Unexpected Blessing Ground Beef, Spinach, and Barley Soup 12 ounces ground beef 4 cups water 14 ounces stewed tomatoes 1½ cups sliced carrots 1 cup chopped

27 Recipes from Vannetta Chapman s An Unexpected Blessing Ground Beef, Spinach, and Barley Soup 12 ounces ground beef 4 cups water 14 ounces stewed tomatoes 1½ cups sliced carrots 1 cup chopped onion ½ cup quick-cooking barley 1½ teaspoons beef bouillon 1½ teaspoons dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried oregano ½ teaspoon garlic powder ¼ teaspoon black pepper ¹ 8 teaspoon salt 3 cups spinach leaves

28 Recipes Brown beef in large saucepan over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain grease. Add all water, stewed tomatoes, carrots, onion, barley, bouillon granules, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer 12 to 15 minutes or until barley and vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in spinach. Cook until spinach starts to wilt, usually within 1 or 2 minutes. Makes 4 servings. *Adapted from Amish Country Cookbook, Publications International, Ltd.

29 Recipes Cornbread 2 cups self-rising cornmeal 1 cup self-rising flour ½ cup buttermilk 3 tablespoons oil water Grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with vegetable oil. Put skillet in 400-degree oven to warm while mixing up your cornbread ingredients. In large bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk. Mix in enough water to make mixture look like cake batter. Remove skillet from oven and pour batter into hot skillet. Return skillet to the oven, and bake until golden brown on top, approximately 20 minutes. *Recipe provided by Marie Daugherty.

340 r e a d i n g g r o u p g u i d e

340 r e a d i n g g r o u p g u i d e Glossary ach: oh Aemen: Amen baremlich: terrible boppli: baby or babies bruder: brother daadi: grandfather daed: dad danki: thanks die weibsleit gwilde bis in die nacht: the women quilt long into the night